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24 hours in San Francisco

This past Tuesday, I flew to San Francisco for 24 hours. The reason for my trip was to give a work presentation, but luckily my twin sister also lives there, so we turned it into The World's Shortest Vacation! Here's what we did...My sister Lucy and her husband Paul live about a half hour south of the city, so of course I crashed with them.As soon as I arrived at 3:30pm, my sister picked me up at the airport, and we went on a hike. Their suburb is peppered with little wooded trails with beautiful views.Lucy and Paul originally bought this giant stuffed bear for their baby niece, but then realized that they were being overzealous and it was a little big for a newborn. So they kept it for themselves (and secretly love it). When I went to the guest room, he was chilling on my bed, which made me laugh.I also spotted this Spy's Guidebook, which was one of our favorite books growing up! It was such a flashback. My parents would gives us these books before going on overnight flights so that we'd stay busy on the plane. I can tell you from experience, a spy's guidebook is the RADDEST book ever for a 9-year-old.Later that evening, we went to visit my best friend Brooke, who lives in the neighboring town. I helped put her ADORABLE toddler son to bed and taught him how to say "dude," which he then said every three minutes for the rest of the night. After he was tucked in, Brooke busted out some delicious white wine from Whole Foods.Lucy then brought over pizza from Positano, including this eggplant, artichoke, arugula, prosciutto and burrata combo. It was such a great night, and we were so busy chatting we forgot to take photos.Early the next morning, I went into the city to give my presentation and then flew back to NYC. During my trip, Toby chilled at home with Alex and our babysitters. They texted me lots of photo updates, including this adorable one of soccer practice. (Apparently Toby wouldn't let go of his coach's hand:)

When I first met Alex, he strongly believed that vacations should be at least a week. He wants to get into a rhythm, relax, have time to breathe. But over the years, I've tried to convince him that SHORT trips can be just as awesome. Quick getaways, weekend jaunts, mad dashes...they're thrilling and whirlwindy!

What do you think? Don't you love San Francisco? And do you believe in the value of short trips, too? Or are you think vacations should always be long and leisurely? xoxo

Hi, the hike place looks really cool. I dislike 1 day trips. Specially if they are all the way to CA. You spend so much time in the air that it's a bit tiring to adjust for just a day. Glad you had fun though, the pizza looks delicious :) Btw your sister looks just like you!! How cool!

We are moving to San Francisco from the east coast and are totally overwhelmed! There are so many different neighborhoods and the rental market is so competitive, I can't imagine how we'll find a place. The details of your trip got me excited for the adventure though!

i have the same giant bear! my boyfriend bought it for me before we remembered we live in a tiny studio on the UES. I like longer vacations if the point is to relax but sometimes just a quick change of scenery is all you need to refresh!

I use to believe in longer vacations and now that we work for ourselves, I cherish even the shortest of them!!! I know how you feel about SF - we have been trying to leave but never do!! Denise - Chez Us

I think i actually prefer shorter vacations....I think my average is 4 days, but hey, 24 hours is good too. I see the point about relaxing, but it's pretty amazing what you can get done if you don't have a long time. Also...confession...the older i get, the more I enjoy just being home. I NEVER thought I'd be like that!

It sounds like you had such a nice time. I love SF! It's about an hr away from Palo Alto via train, but I try to visit when things aren't too busy with classes. That pizza looks amazing! And from what I've heard, Trader Joes has delicious wine...

I love San Francisco so much. I went to school there and moved back to L.A shortly after I finished. I definitely left a piece of my heart in that city. At the time I was so sad to be leaving but wanted so badly to get back to LA weather. Looking back, I just didnt have the right wardrobe. HA! I say I would move back if my husband could find a job up there making a ton of money so we could live in the city and send our son to private school.

A few years ago, I took a spur of the moment 4 day trip from LA to Istanbul to surprise my then fiance for his birthday. It was an awesome romantic whirlwind and since I was a bit out if it, felt dreamier too. It was also nice to not have to adjust to any jet lag when I returned and had to work the next day. I am now a huge advocate of short jet set trips anywhere in the world. I'm usually an obsessive trip planner and the spontaneity of no plan made the trip that much more fun!

My sister lives in SF and I live in Austin and I agree with you- taking frequent short trips can sometimes be better than one long visit. Her apartment has begun to feel more like home since I visit so often!

We just went to San Francisco a few weeks ago and had so much fun! Here's our trip: http://lollingabout.wordpress.com/2012/09/17/travel-san-francisco/We try to do a mix of short and long vacations. Sometimes we just can't afford to be gone for a week, but something is always better than nothing!

Heya!That wine is actually from Whole Foods, not Trader Joe's. I only know because I buy lots of it, being a broke newlywed in San Francisco with a roommate. It's only $3! Yes. I love, love, love San Francisco. The rental market here has just EXPLODED in the last three years because of the burgeoning tech industry-however if you want to buy a place it isn't so horrible. My husband and I keep debating whether or not we should make the move to Oakland (a very common conversation for people my age here :) but I just can't do it. I love the city too much. Plus then we would have to commute-and being able to walk to work is the best thing ever. So glad you had fun! I've spent time on the east coast (Boston and Baltimore) but San Francisco is my home, no question about it.

After graduating from college my boyfriend and I moved to Omaha, Nebraska, mostly to be close to his family... upon moving here (we currently live in Omaha) I told him I would happily live in Omaha for a year and then I would chose were we move next... and I've chosen San Francisco! Im originally from Texas and he is from Kansas and we went to college on the East Coast, we are just missing some Cali to complete us! So as I trudge on through my year in Omaha (no hate to anyone from Nebraska, I am discovering some pretty cool neighborhoods, just slowly) I keep images of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific in my head as inspiration. We're coming soon San Francisco!

So glad you had a good time! I grew up right by San Carlos in a little suburb called Belmont, and although I live in Santa Monica now, I will always think of the Bay Area as home. And the hiking in the area really is great!

San Francisco is an amazing city. I lived in the Bay Area for 7 years and loved every minute of it (well, ok, the weather not so much). As for short trips, absolutely, I think they can be a great way to reenergize and refresh without taking too much time out of regular life. Like hitting a quick reset button.

Short trips certainly have their perks- if that's all you have the time for and you've got the money, go for it! The Bay Area is a great place to spend a few days, too- and of course it helps having friends and family out there :)

I still remember the most delicious sundae ever from my last time in San Francisco six years ago, at Ghiradelli Square!

First of all, the picture of your sister and her husband is the cutest! They look so happy together that I can't help but smile dorkily at the picture-not to mention that you and Lucy both are naturally gorgeous! I lived away from my twin sister for about a year and the short trips we got to take to see one another made our relationship that much better! It makes you truly appreciate the time you have with them, regardless if it is 24 hours or 4 days.

I live in Redwood Shores and do all my shopping in San Carlos. So close! Glad you had a good visit. That hike looks familiar to me.

As far as quick trips, I'm open to all trips, but have had some experiences of taking shorter than desired trips because of time constraints and still feeling like they were really good trips. Especially now that kids are going with us, more than a few nights out of our normal beds and I'm pretty tired.

Awesome! Thank so much for this (I LOVE your travelling posts). As for short trips, well, in the last year, i have done two times Miami-Dusseldorf, to spend 3 days in Bonn, and also Miami-Vegas and Miami-LA to spend 2 days on the West Coast. The red eye from the West Coast to the East Coast, kills me...and the day I arrive I am out...They are tiring, but totally worth it. I'd rather spend 1 week on the destination than 2 days, but I'd rather spend 2 days than 0 days. XOXO

Oh gosh, I miss the San Francisco! We've been in Germany almost three years now and while I have little desire to move back, I get definite pangs where I miss it so much it hurts. It's been over a year since we've been back... :(

I think quick jaunts are great. Here in Europe, we can easily have a weekend in any number of other countries. It's so great. That said, I think it's crucial to get in at least one nice and long (2+ weeks) holiday once a year so you can get your relaxation going.

I'm always going away for 3-4 day weekends every couple of months. It's a blast and it always fun to see another city. Luckily I have girl friends from other cities and we share a room and go see our favorite musician play. SO FUN!!

Looks like you made the most of it - great pics! I think the ideal vacation is between 1 and 2 weeks. One week can seem a bit short since it always takes a couple days to get out of work mode, but by the time 2 weeks rolls around I am itching to get back home, see my cat, missing cooking our own food, etc. I do love quick jaunts too - we went to the mountains for one night back in July and it was a lot of fun. Long weekends away are great too. Something to look forward to and break up work.

I started reading your blog when I lived in NJ and picked up things about NYC from you. I moved last year to SF and bought a house in San Carlos. I'm thinking your walk with your sister and brother-in-law was in Arguello Park. Looks like home. I live at the top of the hill above the park and the trail that goes all the way up the hill lets out right by my house. My husband and daughter will walk that today when he picks her up from kindergarten. She turned down the princess crown braid this morning but says I can practice it tomorrow!

My husband commutes from Santa Cruz up Hwy 1 and into Redwood Shores 4 days a week. We have been debating a move to that area and have been told to consider San Carlos. The hike looks beautiful and the pizza delicious, hmm... Glad you enjoyed your trip.

Any vacation is a good one :) Best to mix it up I think. Week long relaxing trips are great, but you need good site trips, time with friends. There is so much too experience I try to take all I can get!

I have so much to say about this!! first off, i love san carlos! we live in a neighboring town. and positano is my favorite italian in san carlos, don't you love the inside, looks like they decorated it straight from west elm. and on the note of short trips! absolutely!! my husband and i have been on 3 short trips in the past 6 months and each has been awesome! we have 3 kids so it's a trick to get someone to watch them all for any longer and really it's just enough for us. nyc twice this year and az once. we pack it all in and feel like grown ups with a life outside of our kids again, then we fly home and can't wait to see all 3 smiling faces! the best. and toby...too cute!

How funny, I live one town over from San Carlos too. Close proximity to hiking trails *and* the city is one of the major perks of living on the peninsula. Although may I humbly suggest that next time you're in the area and have time for more than pizza takeout, head to Divino in Belmont for Italian. Or Osteria Coppa in San Mateo, specifically for the antipasti and pasta.

SF residents would probably title this post "24 Hours in the Bay Area." Before I moved here I once got schooled by someone who said most emphatically that south city (South San Francisco) was most definitely NOT San Francisco, and San Carlos is even farther down the peninsula than SSF. Outside of the Bay Area, though, probably nobody cares that much. :)

Wow! You did lots of things just in 24 hours! I looove long holidays, but I prefer short getaways, long weekends for instance. It's a refreshing way of forgetting your daily routine but not too muhc. That's perfect for me because I love routine :-)

While I love long vacations (who doesn't??) I am a FIRM believer in the weekend getaway. My husband like to do quick little trips when we feel like things are getting a little crazy at work. It's the perfect way to unwind.

Short trips are fine if they are sans toddler - we recently had a weekend in Portland and it turned out to be more stress than it was worth. I would love to have a 24 hour stay (or a weekend) on my own somewhere though, or just with my husband. :)

I'm a physician. My time is so limited that 2-3 day vacations are the norm. I love how you call them Mad Dashes! I'm about to make a whirlwindy trip to London for just two nights. Wish me luck. I just love your blog, BTW.

We are going to San Francisco for a long weekend in a few weeks and I am beyond excited! We have been multiple times so I feel like there is less pressure to do touristy things and we can truly just enjoy the city. Your posts about your previous trip have been great guides.

This time we will also have our 14 month in tow so we are planning on taking your advice and hiring a sitter so we can have a night out. Know any good ones? :)

You're making me so homesick- I grew up in the Bay Area (north, in Sonoma County) and oh, how I miss it. It looks like you had a great trip though! And well done on avoiding the dreaded "San Fran" faux pas :)

Re: Short trips- I agree! This past summer my boyfriend and I were both going to be in Europe at the same time (me visiting a friend, him working) so we met up in London, took the train out to Brighton for an afternoon of riding pier rides and taking in a concert, then back to London the next morning and along on our separate ways. It felt so spontaneous and exhilarating!

I love short trips! As long as you can take the attitude of not needing to do everything on the list, and just enjoy it, that is. :) My boyfriend and I spent a weekend in Baie Saint Paul, QC and it was amazing.

Always wanted to go to San Francisco. I enjoy both long and short vacations. I PREFER longer ones but the short ones are fun too. I just recently went on a short vaca to the Smoky Mountains where my cousin got married! It was just for two nights but was so much fun! It was also gorgeous. The mountains were ALMOST as beautiful as my cousin in her gown... but that's hard to compare to. (C:

I would lOVE to live in San Francisco and it almost happened, almost. My brother-in-law is moving to the Bay Area next year and I cannot wait to visit him... a lot :) Short holiday trips can be great! The more days, the better. x

I was staying with my sister and her husband in SF (Laurel Heights neighborhood) from last Friday through this Tuesday, meeting my sweet 10-week-old niece Penelope Sue (aka Penny Pie, Peanut, Pumpkin...). Some people think it was a short trip, but as much as I would have loved spending a longer time with them by the last night it really began to feel like it was time to head home and let them get back to their normal routine. I just have to start planning my next visit immediately!

I've always kind of thought vacations had to be about a week...especially ones which involved flying on a plane. Seeing all of your amazing posts though, with weekend trips to europe and overnight trips to San Francisco etc. have inspired me!

Hi! I want to say that, that is my favorite whole foods wine. And that I love the spur of the moment get aways because it helps you take on things when you get home. It's fun! I also can't wait to go to San Francisco next month its one of those trips. You seem to come back in a different state of mind and being .

I flew to Oakland last week for a quick less than 4 day trip. Went and took pictures of the bridge. Puttered around Haight St. I was a great time. If you can get away, then it counts as a vacation, even if it's short.

Oh man, you gave me such a happy childhood flashback, seeing that book. It was such a favourite! My husband has informed me that Keri Smith's 'Finish This Book' is the adult equivalent, so I'm gonna get sleuthing! ;)

I've never thought of a vacation needing to be long, but I get that. Alex definitely has a valid point. I just think a week long vacation isn't always do-able, so short ones will have to fill in the gaps between the long ones.

I love San Francisco! It's my favorite city! I would happily spend just 24 hours there! :) I believe any trip no matter how short or how long is beneficial- sometimes you just have to get out of your usual environment! Leahwww.cheerupoldbean.blogspot.com

I'm one of the rare folks born and raised in San Francisco. Call me biased, but there's definitely nothing quite like this city. Glad you got to have a taste of it even though it was so short. Trips are what you make of it - what your intentions are. Sounds like you had a great time, so although it was short, it was a trip worth doing!

My husband and I went out to Cali for a wedding last month and spent 3 days in SF and surrounding areas... We fit A LOT into 3 days and it may be my new favorite city! Here were the highlights: SFMoMA, Wharf Aquarium, Winchester House, Pfeiffer Beach at Big Sur, Muir Woods, movie at Castro theatre, walk down Golden Gate bridge, tea in the Japanese tea garden in Golden Gate Park. 3 days. Then we took a half day in Yosemite. I am a firm believer in short getaways.